Breaking Through

I haven't been posting about my runs this week because they've been depressing me and mentally kicking my butt. I was excited for this week because my training plan called for 3 easy runs. Not necessarily to take it easy, but excited and confident that I would have a strong week because I knew I could run the distances (4,3,4). I couldn't have been more wrong.

Monday I had the 3.6ish (should have been 4) miles from hell. I accidentally grabbed my road shoes for a trail run, Garmin was being a lazy bum, I ran too close to dark so I was freaking the whole time, and not to mention that darn snake.

Wednesday I convinced B-rad to join me on my 'easy 3 miler.' I was excited for him to run with me and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to show off a little bit (look at me I can run 3 miles soooo easy). That backfired. He kicked my trash, and my confidence took a major blow.

I had somehow convinced myself that I can't run outside. I can hop on the treadmill and run without stopping (I know it's different) but I have this mental block that beats me up while I'm running outside. I've yet to have a race that I haven't walked, and deep down I know this isn't a big deal, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me. ALOT.

So this morning I was nervous. I had a 4 miler that I really wanted to do outside. I figured I needed to get over this before I start adding mileage. Well I worked 10-10 yesterday, and we have inventory this morning, so I stayed til 1130 to help count down our robot (very exciting work). I set my alarm for 7 and come morning that just wasn't working out.

I got up a little later and knew it would probably be better to head to the gym due to the heat. Then I thought, to heck with I'm doing this outside. I was hydrated, wore my Mizuno hat, and kept telling myself what Kara Goucher says in her book about running in the heat:  You might have to slow down but you can do it.

And I did. It took me 47 minutes, but I ran 4 miles, without stopping. I feel so great right now, knowing that I didn't let those two bad runs defeat me.

But don't worry, I won't get all big headed on you... Not with awesome self portraits like these. If that's not humbling I don't know what is ;) And just so you know I was saying four aloud. Not singing.

What are your tricks for getting over a bad run?
What are you all doing this weekend? Any races? I'm working 9-9 on Saturday and Sunday, so think of me. I hope you all have a great weekend!!